Marlins coming together to end season on strong note
MIAMI -- Before the Miami Marlins began the season, the organization hoped to instill belief in its core with a team-first mindset.
All didn't quite go according to plan. A postseason trip was dashed early on. The roster has since changed. And yet, those left in South Florida are trying to end the season on a strong note.
By beating the Atlanta Braves 6-2 on Saturday night with the roof open at Marlins Park for the first time in months, Miami has captured seven of its last eight series. Since Aug. 31, the Marlins have the best record in baseball (16-8).
"This is a talented team," manager Dan Jennings said. "They're young. The veterans that are here, especially Martin Prado, are stepping up and giving the leadership and molding these guys in the right way. When you can create that you create a mindset of, 'We are a good ballclub and we can do things,' and right now you're feeling that take place. They believe in that ability. It's fun to be a part of."
Rookie Justin Bour, who started the season with Triple-A New Orleans, took over starting duties at first base once Michael Morse scuffled and landed on the disabled list in May.
His third homer in his past four contests gave the Marlins a 2-0 lead in the first. Bour has belted 21 on the season -- third amongst National League rookies. Jennings said Bour could be a 30-35 dinger player in the future. His left-handed power in the middle of the lineup is something the Marlins have been missing for years.
Quick to deflect praise, Bour credited his teammates and said the players trust in one other to come through in the clutch.
"Everyone's feeding off each other, people taking good at-bats," Bour said. "There's certain situations where guys are taking walks because they know the guy behind him is going to get the job done. Just good team baseball. That's what you want."
Rookie left-hander Justin Nicolino tossed seven innings, allowing one run on two hits and three walks. Though he didn't record a strikeout, he needed just 80 pitches to secure his fourth win.
More importantly, Nicolino bounced back from his previous outing in Washington when he surrendered seven runs in 5 2/3 frames. He located pitches in the bottom of the zone and got ahead in counts.
"Everyone's showing up every day still wanting to play," said Nicolino, who has a 4.16 ERA in 11 starts. "That's the biggest thing. That's been the most fun part for me is coming to the clubhouse every day and it's loose, it's fun. Music's blaring, everyone's hanging out and enjoying each other. That's what you still have to do even though it's September. For me, the biggest thing coming back here is doing my job and doing what's asked of me and going out there and competing."
Remarkably, Miami is getting it done without All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton and Gold Glove candidate Adeiny Hechavarria in the lineup.
Rather than pack up for the offseason, Jennings noted how his team has been playing with pride. As Nicolino pointed out, the roster knows how good it can be with everyone healthy.
Take Saturday's eighth inning. In a 2-1 ballgame, the Marlins tacked on four insurance runs with unselfish play.
Bour led off with a walk and Marcell Ozuna singled. Ichiro Suzuki bunted them over before J.T. Realmuto got walked intentionally. On a full count, Miguel Rojas -- starting for Hechavarria at shortstop -- reached on a walk. Casey McGehee followed with a two-run, pinch-hit double. Dee Gordon capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly.
Earlier in the season, that frame doesn't develop. Now, guys are lifting their weight and doing their part.
"It seems like every night it's a different guy that steps up and gives it to us," Jennings said. "I think that's huge. That's part of the team-first mindset that we wanted to create from the beginning. The last couple of months we've seen that. They're having fun. There's an energy about what they're doing in the clubhouse and the dugout and it's great to see them. There's some things going on right now that they're truly understanding their ability that they can play and play meaningful games that will give them an opportunity, and it's great to see."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
